Weather across the nation: 2/20/13

A major Winter storm tracked through the Southwest Wednesday, bringing heavy snow to the mountainous areas of Arizona and New Mexico.

Winter Storm Warnings were posted in the area through Wednesday in anticipation of up to a foot of new snow by the time the storm departs the area.

Meanwhile, a tremendous amount of moisture streamed into the southern and central Plains and produced another day of heavy snow. The heaviest snow fell in Oklahoma and Kansas, making travel difficult and canceling many events in the region.

Winter Storm Warnings that extend into Thursdaywere also posted for much of the Plains. Over a foot of new snow is possible in the Plains by the time the storm exits the region Thursday. The storm will be enhanced as it moves across the Rockies tonight before moving into the Plains and extending the snowfall period.

Lake effect snow fell on the eastern shores of Lake Erie and Lake Ontario as cold air streamed over the lakes. Several inches of snow fell in many areas of western New York.

The Northeast rose into the 20s and 30s, while the Southeast saw temperatures in the 40s in the north and into the 80s in Florida. The Northern Plains rose into the 0s and 10s, while the Northwest saw temperatures in the 30s and 40s.

ON THIS DATE....... A strong storm swept across the western and central portions of the country on this date in 1993 bringing heavy snow and wind. Sioux City, IA reported 14 inches of snow in just 6 hours, while wind gusts to 100 mph were reported in Colorado and Wyoming. Sierra Ski Ranch, CA reported 74 inches of snow in a four day period. This total brought the ski area's snowcover to 200 inches.